The catapult launch system is Threod Systems' Cata pneumatic launcher family for fixed-wing UAVs, one-way effectors, and target drones. Threod describes Cata B as a trailer-mounted launcher for aircraft up to 400 kg, while Defense News and Defense Express report Ukrainian use of CATA launchers for long-range drone operations during the full-scale phase of the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War.
Defense News reported Threod's statement that Ukrainian forces have used CATA pneumatic launchers extensively since the start of the 2022 full-scale invasion, with the launcher supporting long-range drone strikes against targets in Russia.
Role detailsThe Cata family solves a launch-site problem for larger fixed-wing UAVs: it gives forces a repeatable pneumatic launch method without relying on prepared runways.
Cata B and Cata BT are listed for aircraft up to 400 kg and launch speeds up to 55 m/s; Cata BX scales the same launcher concept down to 150 kg and 45 m/s.
The public product pages describe two trained operators, a one-week training period, remote-control operation, and deployment or extraction in under three minutes.
Threod says platform-specific adapters allow different UAV or one-way-effector types to use a common launcher architecture.
Sources: Cata B pneumatic launcher system; Cata BX pneumatic launcher system; Cata BT pneumatic launcher system; Threod Systems Cata Launcher Selected for British Army ASGARD One-Way Effector Programme.
Threod markets Cata as a launcher-system family rather than a single fixed airframe. Public product pages distinguish the trailer-oriented B and BX models from the higher-mobility BT configuration.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cata B | 400 kg trailer-mounted launcher | Cata B is the baseline product page used for this record's main specifications: up to 400 kg UAV mass, up to 55 m/s launch speed, two trained operators, and under-three-minute deployment and extraction. Sources: Cata B pneumatic launcher system |
| Cata BX | 150 kg trailer-mounted launcher | Threod lists Cata BX as a lighter launcher branch for UAVs up to 150 kg and launch speeds up to 45 m/s, while retaining the same two-operator and under-three-minute deployment pattern. Sources: Cata BX pneumatic launcher system |
| Cata BT | 400 kg high-mobility launcher | Threod describes Cata BT as a 400 kg, 55 m/s launcher variant compatible with diverse all-terrain vehicles and using a fully automated hydraulic rail opening and locking system. Sources: Cata BT pneumatic launcher system |
Open reporting links this launcher type to fixed-wing UAVs and one-way effectors that use a ramp or catapult takeoff instead of a runway.
| Launched item | Item type | Launch evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Long-range one-way attack UAV | Business Insider described GUR footage of a Bober being launched from a fixed ramp, and Defense Express reported Ukrainian units using CATA launchers for long-range strike UAVs since 2022. Sources: Ukraine has been catapulting drones to strike Russia's million-dollar air defenses deep behind battle lines, Ukraine Uses Estonian CATA Launchers to Strike russia: How Quickly Can Long-Range Strike UAVs Be Launched |
Defense News reported Threod's statement that Ukrainian Armed Forces began using CATA pneumatic launchers extensively after the 2022 full-scale invasion.
Sources: This Estonian firm helps launch Ukraine's combat drones, Ukraine Uses Estonian CATA Launchers to Strike russia: How Quickly Can Long-Range Strike UAVs Be Launched
Threod said the Cata launcher underwent British Army Trials Unit mobility, safety, and launch trials during 2025 for the ASGARD one-way-effector programme.
Sources: Threod Systems Cata Launcher Selected for British Army ASGARD One-Way Effector Programme
Threod announced the UK Ministry of Defence selection of the Cata aircraft launcher for the British Army's emerging one-way-effector capability, with the procurement package valued at £4,996,500.
Sources: Threod Systems Cata Launcher Selected for British Army ASGARD One-Way Effector Programme
